Albertans asked for input on province's energy royalty regime

Website and public meetings part of royalty review

Edmonton...Albertans are being encouraged to make submissions to the expert panel currently reviewing the province's royalty and tax regime for energy resources.

Five public meetings have been scheduled to gather input from interested Albertans and key stakeholders, and a newly established website will allow submissions to be made online.

"As the owners of the province's energy resources, Albertans must be confident that they are receiving a fair share from energy development through royalties, taxes, and fees," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Finance. "The royalty framework must strike the right balance between providing Albertans with a fair return and maintaining an internationally competitive system that allows the Alberta economy to continue to prosper."

The Royalty Review Panel will host meetings beginning April 23 in Grande Prairie, followed by Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Medicine Hat. Those interested in making a presentation at one of the public meetings are encouraged to register in advance by calling (403) 297-8173 or visiting www.albertaroyaltyreview.ca.

"The panel is committed to conducting a thorough and independent examination of Alberta's royalty structure to ensure the system is meeting the needs of Albertans," said Bill Hunter, Royalty Review Panel Chairman. "The views of Albertans are an important part of the review process. We look forward to meeting and hearing from all interested Albertans as part of developing recommendations, which will be submitted to the Minister of Finance by August 31."

Additional information about Alberta's royalty structure, dates and locations of public meetings, and how to submit presentations online, by fax or by mail, is available at www.albertaroyaltyreview.ca. The deadline for submissions is June 22.

In February 2007, the government announced an independent review of Alberta's royalty and tax regime. The Royalty Review Panel will make recommendations for government's consideration. The review is one of the key actions under Premier Stelmach's plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans' quality of life, and provide safe and secure communities.

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